Joe Burrow Determined to Recover Quickly and Revive the Struggling Bengals

CINCINNATI — The Cincinnati Bengals’ season has been defined by frustration, inconsistency, and the painful absence of their franchise quarterback, Joe Burrow. After another disappointing loss left the team sitting near the bottom of the AFC North, all eyes are once again on Burrow — not for what he’s doing on the field, but for how fast he can return to it.

Burrow, who has been sidelined due to a lingering calf injury, has made it clear that his focus is on getting back as soon as possible to rescue the Bengals from their downward spiral. Despite the team’s 1–5 record, the quarterback remains optimistic that there’s still time to turn things around.

“I hate watching from the sidelines,” Burrow said after Friday’s walkthrough. “This city deserves better, and I’m doing everything I can to get back out there. We’re not done yet — not by a long shot.”

Those words reflect the mindset that made Burrow a fan favorite since arriving in Cincinnati. His toughness, leadership, and relentless competitiveness have long been the identity of this Bengals team. Without him, the offense has struggled to find rhythm, the defense has been forced into tough positions, and the locker room has felt the absence of its natural leader.

Teammates have expressed confidence that once Burrow returns, the Bengals can still make noise late in the season. Wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase said the quarterback’s presence “changes everything,” calling him “the heartbeat of this team.”

Head coach Zac Taylor echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the team’s patience and long-term focus. “We’re not going to rush him,” Taylor said. “But when Joe’s back, you’ll feel it. The whole energy shifts.”

Still, Burrow himself doesn’t seem content with patience. Known for his competitive fire, he’s been pushing trainers and medical staff to clear him for practice sooner rather than later.

“Every day without football feels like a loss,” Burrow admitted. “I’m not here to sit out. I’m here to win games. That’s what Cincinnati expects — and that’s what I expect from myself.”

If his words are any indication, Joe Burrow’s comeback won’t just be about recovery — it’ll be about redemption. And for a Bengals team clinging to hope, that return can’t come soon enough.

Browns Insider Confirms David Njoku Will Stay Despite Trade Rumors

The Cleveland Browns have been active in the trade market, but it appears they won’t be trading one impact offensive weapon.

Cleveland has already dealt Joe Flacco and Greg Newsome II and could look to trade off more pieces before the trade deadline. However, Browns insider Mary Kay Cabot reported on X that Cleveland is unlikely to trade star tight end David Njoku.

“The #Browns will likely make more trades, but are not looking to sell off key players such as TE David Njoku. (But they also didn’t plan to trade Joe Flacco or Greg Newsome II),” Cabot wrote.

Njoku is in the final year of his four-year, $54.75 million deal with the Browns. With him being a pending free agent, many thought his name could come up in trade talks. Especially with rookie tight end Harold Fannin Jr. in line to get more snaps.

But, according to Cabot, Cleveland doesn’t want to trade Njoku, and the tight end should finish off the year with the Browns.

Njoku has recorded 23 receptions for 223 yards and 1 touchdown this season.

Njoku Suffers Injury in Week 6

Cleveland did get some bad news about Njoku on Sunday as the star tight end suffered an injury.

Browns coach Kevin Stefanski revealed postgame on Sunday that Njoku suffered an injury to his knee, and not his thigh as initially reported. It’s unclear the severity of the injury.

Before exiting the game with an injury, Njoku finished the game with three catches for 28 yards on six targets. The star tight end has been a safety blanket for rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel, but if Njoku does miss some time, Fannin Jr. will have to step up.

Fannin Jr. was selected in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft by Cleveland. He’s recorded 28 receptions for 254 yards and a touchdown this season.

Browns Offense Needs to be Better

Cleveland suffered a 23-9 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday in a game the Browns failed to score a touchdown. It was a disappointing result for the offense.

Following the game, Browns coach Kevin Stefanski made it clear the offense has to get better and find ways to get into the end zone.

“We’ve got to find a way to score points. We’ve got to run the ball efficiently,” Stefanski said. “Got to find a way to be better in the pass game. All of the above.. We’re doing some things right now that are preventing us from winning. We’ll get it fixed.”

Cleveland will host the Miami Dolphins in Week 7.

Stefanski Could Give Up Play-Calling

Following Cleveland’s failure to find the endzone, the Browns could make a major change on offense.

Stefanski revealed he’s considering giving up the offensive play-calling in hopes it sparks the offense.

“Stefanski said ‘there’s a long list of things we gotta do better’ in an answer that included potentially changing play-callers,” Zac Jackson of The Athletic reported via X.

If Stefanski does give up play-calling, offensive coordinator Tommy Rees would likely call the offensive plays. Rees spent last season as Cleveland’s Pass game specialist and tight ends coach after he was the Alabama Crimson Tide’s offensive coordinator in 2023.

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